The Helsinki Conference discussed also small arms

The Helsinki Conference in the Finlandia Hall from 7 to 9 September also addressed the question of small arms. The theme was discussed not only by the keynote speakers but also in a separate Round Table session.

Three central themes were raised during the discussion and they were also recorded in the Concluding Remarks of the Foreign Ministers of Finland and Tanzania, the Co-Chairs of the Conference. The Conference supported the speedy launch of negotiations aiming at the conclusion of a so-called Arms Trade Treaty to control arms transfers (exports and imports). The Conference also dealt extensively with the preparation of the follow-up meeting to review the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects, to be held in 2006, and requested that the small arms issue be viewed from a wider perspective. The Round Table participants also paid attention to the need to develop methods that would help better quantify the expenses arising from the misuse of small arms and small arms violence to society. If the true costs to society caused by small arms violence were better known, there might be greater political pressure to tighten the present regulations and control measures.

The participants also discussed the important role that parliamentarians have in the efforts to advance the small arms issue. Questions related to small arms are among the issues that the Helsinki Process on Globalisation and Democracy will continue to address in the future.

Helsinki Conference(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)